Planning Your Winter Wedding in Ireland

Their is no denying that the cooler nights are setting in and the winter is on the way. Slowly we are seeing a shift in wedding style and decor. So it got us thinking about all of our favourite things we love about Winter Weddings.

We are very lucky that our ornate Manor house lends itself well to all seasons. Some guests fall on love with the variety of outdoor ceremony options in spring & summer. But the 40 acres of woodlands and opulent interiors lends itself perfectly for winter time photographs.

If you’re planning a winter wedding, you’ll be looking forward to doing things differently and celebrating in seasonal style. A wedding in the winter is a great chance to create a truly unique occasion that your guests will always remember, and some of the extra special touches we’ve seen at winter weddings in recent years have got us excited for the winter weddings to come.

Our Favorite Winter Wedding Ideas

1. Roaring Fires

Maybe it’s the romance of it, but we are in love with the idea gathering your nearest and dearest around a glowing fire with twinkling lights and maybe a hint of Christmas in the background. Fires definitely add to the ambience and having them on when your guests arrive, will make it an oh-so-cozy affair. The winter months are perfectly suited to a celebration at Ballinacurra House, where the log fires will have you feeling toasty on even the coldest of days.

2. Long Sleeved Dresses

There’s no denying the added elegance of beautiful lacy sleeves, keeping the goosebumps away and create the perfect fairytale ensemble. Thanks to the popularity of Kate Midleton’s dress some years back, long sleeved dresses are still en vogue and can be modern and fun. If you prefer the sleeveless style, or are determined to have outdoor photographs whatever the weather, you could also go for a wrap or pashmina to complement your dress and add a hint of glamour.

3. Warm Colour Palettes

Winter weddings are all about rich, earthy colours that mirror nature and can inspire colours like golds, deep reds, purples and greens for bridesmaid dresses and wedding decor. There is also nothing stopping a bride or groom from making a bold statement with a hint of colour either in their suit/dress or in their accessories.

4. Festive Treats

If canapés and champagne seem a bit overdone, how about serving mini mince pies and mulled wine or hot port to your guests after your ceremony? We love incorporating seasonal style into wedding menus, and if a full on Christmas dinner is too much, you can still create a fabulous feast with local, seasonal fayre and a touch of creative sparkle.

5. It’s the Season to be Berry!

Rustic weddings are as popular as ever but winter is most definitely the season to be berry! Why not work some winter berries or seasonal items like cinnamon and fig into your wedding theme.

Seasonal items like figs, cinnamon or winter berries can be worked into everything from hairstyles, the wedding cake, the menu, place names and of course the table décor. Foliage and greenery, like curly willow or eucalyptus, make a stunning yet cost effective alternative to decorative flowers in winter weddings. You could also add touches of warm gold by spray painting some greenery or pinecones yourself – a perfect creative project for you and your bride tribe in advance of the wedding.

6. Romantic Candlelight

There’s something super special about the glow of candlelight, and you could create a whole new level of intimacy for your ceremony with a candlelit room in your private wedding venue. It gets dark earlier in winter, which lends itself well to creating a romantic mood. You can also consider scented candles to fill the air with a seasonal scent.

7. Irish Coffee or Hot Chocolate Bar
If your guests are coming from the church, the usually want something warm and welcoming to heat them up. Coffee stations are always a good way to get some heat into people. Why not add your own twist to the coffee station by serving Baileys Coffees or traditional hot chocolate with all the trimmings. The hot chocolate will also go down a treat for any children at the party.

Looking for a Unique Winter Wedding Venue in Cork?

If you’re imagining a winter wonderland wedding, Ballinacurra House could be the venue of your dreams. With 22 luxurious bedrooms and the exclusive use of our impressive and romantic Manor House, you can enjoy sharing the happiest day of your life with all of your closest family and friends. Call the experienced wedding team on +353 (0)21 4779040 and start planning your wedding today.